Priority Symptoms, Causes, and Self-Management Strategies Reported by AYAs With Cancer

Authors

Lauri Linder, University of Utah
Kristin Stegenga, Children's Mercy Hospital
Jeanne Erickson, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Suzanne Ameringer, Virginia Commonwealth University
Amy Rose Newman, Marquette UniversityFollow
Yin-Shun Chiu, University of Utah
Catherine Fiona Macpherson, Seattle Children's Hospital

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Publication Date

11-2019

Publisher

Elsevier

Source Publication

Journal of Pain and Symptom Management

Source ISSN

0885-3924

Abstract

Context

Cancer and symptom experiences of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer can be highly variable, creating challenges for clinicians and researchers who seek to optimize AYAs' health outcomes. Understanding the heuristics AYAs use to designate priority symptoms can provide insight into the meaning they assign to their symptoms and self-management behaviors.

Objectives

This study described the frequency and characteristics of priority symptoms. It qualitatively explored reasons for a symptom's designation as a priority symptom, perceived causes of priority symptoms, and strategies AYAs use to manage priority symptoms.

Methods

Participants in this single-group, longitudinal study reported symptoms using a heuristics-based symptom reporting tool, the Computerized Symptom Capture Tool, at two scheduled visits for chemotherapy. AYAs designated priority symptoms and responded to three short answer questions: What makes this a priority symptom?, What do you think causes it?, and What do you do to make it better?

Results

Eighty-six AYAs, 15–29 years of age (median 19 years), identified 189 priority symptoms. Priority symptoms were of greater severity (t = 3.43; P < 0.01) and distress (t = 4.02; P < 0.01) compared with nonpriority symptoms. Lack of energy, nausea, difficulty sleeping, and pain comprised 39% of priority symptoms. Reasons for priority designation included the impact of the symptom and the attributes of the symptom. Categories of self-management strategies included “Physical Care Strategies,” “Things I take (or not),” and “Psychosocial Care Strategies.”

Conclusion

Supporting AYAs to identify their priority symptoms may facilitate a more personalized approach to care. Seeking the patient's perspective regarding priority symptoms could enhance patient-clinician collaboration in symptom management.

Comments

Accepted version. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, Vol. 58, No. 5 (November 2019): 774-783. DOI. © 2019 Elsevier. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Linder, Lauri; Stegenga, Kristin; Erickson, Jeanne; Ameringer, Suzanne; Newman, Amy Rose; Chiu, Yin-Shun; and Macpherson, Catherine Fiona, "Priority Symptoms, Causes, and Self-Management Strategies Reported by AYAs With Cancer" (2019). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 670.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/670